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Fluid Community Spaces Enveloped in Sustainable Wood and Solar Shingles

Authors:
Anzhela Gyurjyan, Marianna Paranyan
Fluid Community Spaces Enveloped in Sustainable Wood and Solar Shingles

Project in-detail

Combining fluid architectural forms with the durability of sustainable wood and integrated solar shingles, this community development fosters intergenerational relationships in a supportive living environment.
5 key facts about this project
01
Incorporates solar shingles for energy generation integrated into the roofing system.
02
Features both communal gardens and youth activity areas designed to encourage intergenerational interactions.
03
Utilizes charred wooden shingles for enhanced durability and aesthetic appeal while promoting low maintenance.
04
Employs cross-laminated timber panels to reduce construction waste and maximize structural efficiency.
05
Includes extensive natural irrigation systems to support landscaping and minimize water usage.
The Yin Yang Active Community is an architectural project designed to foster intergenerational relationships while addressing the issue of senior isolation. The design emphasizes connectivity among diverse age groups, providing an environment conducive to social interaction and community engagement. This project consists of two distinct buildings, representing the Yin and Yang concept, symbolizing balance and harmony. The layout encourages physical and social accessibility, featuring a mix of personal living spaces and communal areas to promote a symbiotic relationship among residents.

Unique Design Approaches

What differentiates the Yin Yang Active Community from typical senior living facilities is its innovative approach to community life. By integrating the lives of seniors and younger generations, the design creates opportunities for mentorship and shared experiences. The architecture incorporates flexible communal spaces, including gardens, leisure facilities, and educational areas, which encourage participation from all occupants. The senior living units are designed for autonomy, with easy access to shared spaces that enhance social interactions. This interdependence aims to create a supportive environment where residents are encouraged to engage actively with one another.

Sustainability is another key aspect of the design. The incorporation of flat solar shingles allows for energy efficiency and reduced reliance on external power sources. The project features extensive landscaping with gardens and orchards, supporting local food production and emphasizing ecological responsibility. Water features have been strategically designed not only for aesthetics but also for practical irrigation, promoting sustainability throughout the community.

Architectural Details

The architectural design focuses on a harmonious flow of spaces, with large windows and skylights allowing ample natural light into interiors, enhancing the overall living experience. The use of sustainable wood, terrazzo flooring, and green roofs further adds to the visual and functional quality of the project. Attention to materiality ensures that the design is not only visually appealing but also practical and durable over time.

In summary, the Yin Yang Active Community stands out for its commitment to intergenerational living, sustainability, and thoughtful design. For further exploration of the architectural plans, sections, designs, and ideas that shape this project, readers are encouraged to review the project's detailed presentation. This will provide deeper insights into the innovative features and functional aspects of the Yin Yang Active Community, illustrating its role in transforming modern approaches to communal living.
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MICROHOME
MICROHOME
100,000 € Prize Fund / Kingpsan Edition #10
Kinderspace
Kinderspace
Architecture for Children’s Development #3
Buildner's Unbuilt Award 2025
Buildner's Unbuilt Award 2025
100,000€ Prize / 2025

Design a new small-scale home concept in the 10th edition of MICROHOME — 100,000 € prize + construction

Competition organisers

The 10th edition of the MICROHOME architecture competition invites architects and designers from around the world to explore the possibilities of compact, sustainable living. Hosted by Buildner in collaboration with Kingspan and Hapi Homes, this special edition challenges participants to design an off-grid, modular microhome for a young professional couple, with a maximum floor area of 25 m². Designs should prioritize innovation, efficiency, and real-world feasibility. 

A total prize fund of 100,000 € will be awarded, including three main prizes, the Kingspan Award, and the Hapi Homes Award, which will grant 15,000 € and lead to the construction of the selected design. The final registration deadline is September 25, 2025, and winners will be announced on Decebmer 9, 2025. For full competition details and submission guidelines, visit microhome.info.

Microhome

Design a new small-scale home concept in the 10th edition of MICROHOME — 100,000 € prize + construction

100,000 € PRIZE FUND / KINGPSAN EDITION #10 IDEAS COMPETITION
Prize 100,000 € + Potential realisation
Eligibility Open to all
Early bird registration deadline 22 May 2025
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